A method, system, and computer product uses a hashed static single assignment (SSA) form as a program representation and a medium for performing global scalar optimization. A compiler, after expressing the computer program in SSA form, can perform one or more static single assignment (SSA)-based, SSA-preserving global scalar optimization procedures on the SSA representation. Such a procedure modifies, (i.e., optimizes) the SSA representation of the program while preserving the utility of its embedded use-deprogram information for purposes of subsequent SSA-based, SSA-preserving global scalar optimizations. This saves the overhead expense of having to explicitly regenerate use-def program information for successive SSA-based, SSA-preserving global scalar optimizations.